NICOSIA – On Thursday, October 10, 2019, H.E. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, attended the opening the “The Latins of Cyprus” exhibition, organized by the House of Representatives at the initiative of the Latin Community in Cyprus. The exhibition, which takes place at the Castelliotissa Hall in Nicosia, aims to highlight the presence and achievements of the Latin Community in Cyprus throughout the centuries.
Mr. Demetris Syllouris, president of Cyprus’ House of Representatives, opened the exhibition attended by Archbishop Pizzaballa; H.E. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio in Cyprus; H.E. Youssef Soueif, Archbishop of the Maronites; Fr. Jerzy Kraj, ofm, Latin Patriarchal Vicar in Cyprus, and Mrs. Antonella Mantovani, representative of the Latin Community on the island.
Speaking about the influential presence of the Latin Community in Cyprus since 1192, Mr. Syllouris praised the contribution of the community to “the field of social welfare and charity, as well as its impact on the island’s culture”.
The exhibition, that opened last Thursday and expected to conclude on Wednesday, October 16, displays photos and historical objects that trace the history of the Latin Church and its influence on the Orthodox Church architecture, the community’s prominent personalities and representatives. A section is also dedicated for the educational aspect represented by Terra Sancta College, one of the ancient educational institutions in Cyprus, founded by the Franciscan friars in 1646.
